San Antonio Scoop: A Mom’s Guide to July

ACMB has taken your comments and suggestions into consideration and we’ve put together this new format for the San Antonio Scoop. We’ve now got things listed weekly and monthly, as there was not a clear winner based on the survey results. We hope you find this easy to use and share!

As always, I will continue to update as I come across interesting events to include.

Friday, July 1

Plant Tour, 9:00 A.M., 12:00 P.M., & 1:30 P.M. at Toyota San Antonio—Each tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours from entry to exit. Our tours are very popular, and a reservation is required. Be sure to review the tour guidelines. Free.

Free Movie Night: Zootopia, 8:30–10:00 P.M. at Workforce Center for Excellence—Free popcorn and soda will be available. Blankets and lawn chairs are encouraged. Arrive early for water balloon games and other fun activities. Free.

Saturday, July 2

Family Hike: Exploring History through Nature, 8:30–10:00 A.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Park classroom—Beat the heat with an early morning hike with the family and learn how Native Americans found everything they needed from the plants and animals around them. RSVP required. Visit fosana.org to reserve your spot. Suggested donation: $3 per person, or $6 per family. For more information, please call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected]

July 2–4

Curious World Summer Tour, 12:00–8:00 P.M. at Historic Market Square—Featuring Curious George and other iconic characters, tour includes six interactive stations filled with hands-on summer learning activities, from rocket ship building and story time to dancing and gardening. The mobile experience will be powered by a “Little Blue Truck” inspired by the iconic HMH children’s books by Alice Schertle and Jill McElmurry. In each destination, the vehicle’s trailer will unfold to create a playful learning environment for children and families. Free.

Sunday, July 3

First Sundays for Families: Art of the Americas, 11:00 A.M.–3:00 P.M. at the San Antonio Museum of Art—Celebrate the many influences converging on the Americas through paintings, drawings, collage, and paper sculpture inspired by artistic voices of yesterday and today. Museum admission is free before noon, and this event is free with museum admission.

Rocket Day, 12:00–5:00 P.M. at Hill Country Science Mill—Blast off with special rocket-themed activities! Craft foam rockets for Foam Rocket Golf, customize liquid fuels for fizzy bottle rockets, get up to speed with string rocket racers, create the loudest explosion, make rocket fuel at the chemistry table, and cool off in the 3D theater with special showings of “Legends of Flight.”

Monday, July 4–Independence Day

See our 4th of July post for local events and fireworks displays taking place around town.

Tuesday, July 5

Movies by Moonlight: Minions, 7:30 P.M. at Travis Park—Bring the whole family by to enjoy this family-friendly movie on a giant outdoor cinema screen and take part in the food trucks, music, kids’ activities and more. Pre-entertainment begins at 7:30 P.M., with the movie kicking off at 8:30 P.M. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs to get cozied up during the show. Free.

July 5 & 6

Eulenspiegel Puppet Theatre at Tobin, Thousand Oaks, Maverick branch library locations—Come enjoy The Fisherman and His Wife as part of the Children’s Summer Reading Program at the San Antonio Public Library. Tickets are required for the two performances at Maverick and are available starting 10:00 A.M. on July 2. Free.

July 5–7

TamboRhythms at Brook Hollow, Forest Hills, Landa, and Cody branch library locations—Some locations require free tickets to be picked up before performance. TamboRhythms is all about drums. Come and feel the beat as part of the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program at the San Antonio Public Library. Free.

Friday, July 8

Movie in the Park: The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie, 8:00 P.M. at Bulverde Community Park—Concessions open at 6:30 P.M. Movie starts at dusk, but you can come as early as 6:00 P.M. and enjoy the fun: face painting, Kona Ice truck, hot dogs, popcorn, beverages, and candy. Bring your own chairs or a blanket. Please do not bring alcohol; this is a family event. Free.

Saturday, July 9

Leave No Trace, 9:00–11:00 A.M. at Medina River Natural Area—Nature Preserve Officer Thomas Paine will present the Leave No Trace principles with hands-on activities. This is a great program for all scout organizations and outdoor enthusiasts. The program is limited to 30 children. Registration is requested at (210) 207-3103 or by e-mail to [email protected] A donation of $3 per individual or $5 per family is suggested.

Insect Investigators, 10:00 A.M.–12:00 P.M. at Friedrich Wilderness Park—Learn who’s who in the bug world. Michelle Camara leads our exploration into the world of these six-legged creatures and their role in the ecosystem. Learn about dragonflies, praying mantises, bees, assassin bugs, spiders, and many more. We’ll have live critters and specimens to observe and examine. Following the program, children can make a insect hotel using recycled materials. Reservations required. Visit fosana.org to reserve your spot. For more information, call (210) 207-3782 or email [email protected]

Free Family Art Day, 10:00 A.M.–1:00 P.M. at Inspire Community Fine Art Center—Designed as an exploratory experience for children of all ages and their families to try various types of art projects and mediums. Inspire uses inspiration from children’s literature themes and illustrations for each event. Everyone is welcome; no reservations required. Free.

Movies at the Marquee: The Peanuts Movie, 7:00–10:30 P.M. at Mission Marquee Plaza—Doors open at 7:00 P.M. Movie starts at 8:45 P.M. It is lawn seating, so bring your blanket, picnics, and chairs. There will be food trucks onsite to purchase concessions, free popcorn, and H-E-B giveaways for the kids. Free.

Tuesday, July 12

Movies by Moonlight: Goosebumps, 7:30 P.M. at Travis Park—Bring the whole family by to enjoy this family-friendly movie on our giant outdoor cinema screen and take part in the food trucks, music, kids’ activities and more. Pre-entertainment begins at 7:30 P.M. with the movie kicking off at 8:30 P.M. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Free.

Thursday, July 14

TamboRhythms, 2:00 & 4:00 P.M. at Parman branch library—Tickets are required to attend and will be available on a first come, first served basis starting Saturday, July 9 at 10:00 A.M. TamboRhythms is all about drums. Come and feel the beat as part of the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program at the San Antonio Public Library. Free.

Free Summer Movie Nights: Minions, 7:00–9:20 P.M. at Guadalupe Community Center—Before the movie there will be games for the family. The movie will begin around 7:45 P.M. Popcorn will be provided. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Movie will take place on the basketball court outside located across the street from Lanier High School.

Friday, July 15

Movie in the Park: Goosebumps, 6:00 P.M. at Helotes City Hall—The event includes a free concert from the Helotes Area Community Band, a bouncy slide for the kids, food vendors, a free raffle prize drawing, Looney Toons, and a kids’ movie. Feel free to bring your own food and drinks. Free.

Saturday, July 16

Bats, 9:00–11:00 A.M. at Urban Ecology Center Phil Hardberger Park West—What are the benefits to bats? What special adaptations do they have, and how can we protect these special mammals? Fran Hutchins of Bat Conservation International presents. A kid-friendly craft is included. No registration required. A donation to the PHP Conservancy of $3 per person or $5 per family is suggested.

Tuesday, July 19

Movies by Moonlight: The Good Dinosaur, 7:30 P.M. at Travis Park—Bring the whole family by to enjoy this family-friendly movie on a giant outdoor cinema screen and take part in the food trucks, music, kids’ activities, and more. Pre-entertainment begins at 7:30 P.M. with the movie kicking off at 8:30 P.M. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Free.

July 18–20

From DinosaurGeorge.com

Dinosaur George at Igo, Memorial, and Maverick branch library locations—Dinosaur George is all about paleontology. Come and see his fossils as part of the Children’s Summer Reading Program at the San Antonio Public Library. Some locations require tickets to be picked up in advance. Free.

Movies at the Marquee: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1, 7:00 P.M.–10:30 P.M. at Mission Marquee Plaza—Doors open at 7:00 P.M. Movie starts at 8:45 P.M. It is lawn seating, so bring your blanket, picnic table, and chairs. There will be food trucks onsite to purchase concessions, free popcorn, and H-E-B giveaways for the kids. Free.

Saturday, July 23

The Wonder-filled World of Worms, 10:00–11:30 A.M. at Villa Finale–Kids ages 6 to 12 years are invited to attend this fund, hands-on workshop where they will learn how to create their own compost using live worms. Kids will be introduced to the importance of worms in our ecosystem, tour Villa Finale’s worm and composting areas (not open to the public), and create their own compost bins. All supplies, including worms, will be provided. General admission $5 for kids ages 6-12.

Celebrate Peter Pan Day, 10:30 A.M. at The Twig Bookshop–Calling all Peter Pans, lost boys, pirates, and fairies. You all are hereby ordered to show your filthy faces for a hearty party. Clean yourself up, toss on your costume, and meet Miss Anastasia for hilarious pirate stories, sea-worthy grub, a treasure hunt, and a rollicking good time. You would be a foolish “land-lover” to miss The Twig’s 14th Annual Pirate Party! Free.

Movies at the Marquee: The Good Dinosaur, 7:00–10:30 P.M.at Mission Marquee Plaza—Doors open at 7:00 P.M.; movie starts at 8:45 P.M. It is lawn seating, so bring your blanket, picnic table, and chairs. There will be food trucks onsite to purchase concessions, free popcorn, and H-E-B giveaways for the kids! Free.

From mcnayart.org

Sunday, July 24

Free Family Day: Summer Spectacular, 1:00–4:00 P.M. at McNay Art Museum—Enjoy a vintage family escape without leaving San Antonio. Experience the sights and sounds of Coney Island in a carnival atmosphere with circus performers, art activities, and free admission to Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861–2008.

Deco District Arts & Music Festival, 12:00–10:00 P.M. at Deco District–Art, music, food, fun, and family! Headliner Little Joe Hernández, with his son Ady opening for him. You can also hear some of your favorite local and regional performers, eat some great food, and shop some of the areas best artists and craftsmen. Free.

Tuesday, July 26

Movies by Moonlight: Aladdin, 7:30 P.M. at Travis Park—Bring the whole family by to enjoy this family-friendly movie on our giant outdoor cinema screen and take part in the food trucks, music, kids’ activities, and more. Pre-entertainment begins at 7:30 P.M. with the movie kicking off at 8:30 P.M. Don’t forget to bring your blankets and lawn chairs to get cozied up during the showing. Free.

July 2-August 6

La Cinderella at The Magik Theatre—La Cinderella is an original, hilarious musical version of the classic tale that introduces children to the founding of our city. The governor of San Antonio de Bexar has a handsome son whom he determines will marry a local girl. Will La Cinderella find true love? Will the governor’s son find La Cinderella? We all find out at the ball in the garden of the Governor’s Palace, where luminarias and the full moon light the way to love and happiness.

July 8, 15, 22, 29

Balcones Heights Jazz Festival, 7:30–10:00 P.M. at Wonderland of the Americas Amphitheater—Outdoor seating on the amphitheater lawn is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Typically jazz fans begin staking their spots with blankets and lawn chairs the morning of each concert. Food and beverages are available for purchase at a variety of booths. Free.

SATURDAYS

Fitness in the Park: Family Friendly Yoga, 10:30–11:30 A.M. at Phil Hardberger Park East–Exercise your mind, body and soul. Reduce anxiety, improve flexibility, relieve stress and improve respiratory functions through the power of yoga. This family friendly yoga class is open to everyone, including families with young children. Meets every Saturday near the Salado Creek outdoor classroom in PHP-East (13203 Blanco Road). The class is free and no registration is required. Free.

About Heather

Heather was born and raised in San Antonio and became a mom in 2013 when her son, Luca, was born. She enjoys the outdoors and even mowing her own lawn. She and her husband Santiago look forward to raising a feminist boy with a heart for cars, trains, airplanes, and all modes of transportation. Her professional experience since graduating from Tufts University with a degree in Art History includes working for a variety of arts and cultural nonprofit organizations, from grassroots to governmental. She spent a few years as a stay at home parent and is easing her way back into the workforce. Her dream job would be to work for Sesame Workshop, or President of the United States. In the meantime, Heather enjoys filling her family's weekends with the diversity San Antonio has to offer.